Arnold Bruce Smith

arnold smith

October 14, 1948 ~ March 1, 2023

Born in: Buncombe Co., NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Arnold Bruce Smith, 74, of Asheville, NC went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 1st, 2023. He battled heart disease for many years and was being care for by his daughter and family, with the help of CarePartners “in home” hospice care.

Born and raised in Buncombe County, Arnold will be best known for his giving spirit. He donated to youth leagues over the years, and his most recent charitable gift was to Crushing Cancer Jeep Trail Ride at Camp Cedar Cliff. Arnold loved helping people in their time of need. He felt led by God to help children, including creating a college fund for his granddaughters.

Arnold loved his family dearly, especially his granddaughters, Haley and Hannah. He watched them play volleyball as often as he could.

Arnold worked all his life in the automotive industry, from working at a car dealership to owning a small car lot and auto repair business. He created several lifelong friendships in the community because of his business.

Arnold is survived by his daughter, Cindy Pike (Chris); son, Arnold Bruce Smith, Jr.; granddaughters, Haley and Hannah; sisters, Janice Lamore (the late Bill Lamore), Shirley Green (Ronnie), Darlene Parrott (Vernon), Nena Wall and Kimberly McGraw (Trent); brother, Patrick Smith (Angie); and many beloved nieces, nephews and cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Eugene Smith and Frances Hill Earwood and a brother, Eugene Smith.

The family will receive friends at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue on Saturday, March 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. The family will have a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donate, in his honor, to a local children’s charity of your choice.

Services

Visitation: March 4, 2023 4:00 pm - April 28, 2025 6:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806

(828)252-3535
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

    • Thank you for taking time to leave a message of remembrance for Arnold. I appreciate it. Sincerely Cindy, daughter.

  1. I’ll miss you my dear sweet brother-in-law. I will remember your infectious laugh. Knowing you since high school has enriched my life in so many ways. Love and prayers Margaret

    • Thank you for taking time to leave a message of remembrance for Arnold. I appreciate it. Sincerely Cindy, daughter.

    • Thank you for taking time to leave a message of remembrance for Arnold. I appreciate it. Sincerely Cindy, daughter.

    • Thank you for taking time to leave a message of remembrance for Arnold. I appreciate it. Sincerely Cindy, daughter.

  2. Saddened to hear that Arnold had passed away. He was a dear friend of my brother James even before he married into the Smith family. May he rest in eternal peace. My condolences to his family.

    Llll

  3. Saddened to hear that Arnold had passed away. He was a dear friend of my brother James even before he married into the Smith family. May he rest in eternal peace. My condolences to his family.

  4. Arnold truly had a giving heart. I witnessed his caring and compassionate heart many times while working at S & R Auto Sales. May God bless and comfort the family who he loved dearly.

    • Thank you Marlene. I appreciate you taking time to leave a message of remembrance of his giving spirit. Cindy

    • Marlene dad loved working with you and Reeves , your smile and infectious laugh I feel made his days working just a lil bit easier , thank you for your friendship

  5. You was a good person you loved your family always smiling never had much to say you will be missed by many loved by all say hello to my son your family is in my prayers

  6. I am blessed to have grown up with the smith family. I have always been included as one of Jim and Frances kids. I learned many things from Arnold. He always came by to see my mom and me. I got to spend time at the hospital when his heart had weakened and he was very critical. I picked Nena up at the airport and took her to Arnold’s bedside. His tired body had given his family and many friends his love and compassion as he entered his journey to reach heaven. I am greatfull to have been able to go by Cindy’s and spend time with him. He dreamed about my dad a short time ago. Arnold shared that dream of seeing my dad walking without crutches or a wheelchair. I am sure after he met his family my mom and dad greeted by him. Arnold was special in my dads eyes. Many memories were shared of their time together. Nena you are like my sister and thanks for all you did for your sweet brother. I wish we all were together again on the old wagon. Take care of yourselves as you face the days ahead. I love all of y’all Arnold will be missed.

    • Thank you Patty for all your help. Dad really appreciated you and I enjoyed getting to know you. Cindy

    • Patty my wonderful father suffered a broken heart for many years , my years of living with him and spending many nights after I would cook dinner he loved to sit down and just talk about the good ole days . Hemphill was truly a magical place for me because grandma Francis and her love for her big growing family coming together at Christmas Eve and celebrating Jesus’s Birthday . Memories I will cherish the rest of my days . My peace and love for my dad will always be of love and healing not pain and loathing . Peace love and gods strength

  7. You will be very missed and always remembered, my heart goes with you and I’m happy knowing you will always be safe,you and your memories will live forever, I love you

  8. We will always love you Arnold. You will be truly missed. You were such a blessing to me and my children.

  9. So sorry for the family’s loss. We traded with each other over 25 years when I had White Pine Exxon then West Asheville Exxon. Thoughts and prayers are with the family.

  10. So sorry to hear about Arnold’s passing. He was one of Steve’s (Whitaker) favorite cousins. Arnold drove us to our first prom in 1966 because Steve didn’t have a drivers license at that time. I was a freshman. I assume they are now having fun talking about old times when they were kids. RIP Arnold.

    • Sharon I don’t know who was more excited about our big family reunions but I know dad and cousin Steve both couldn’t wait to celebrate our family and fellowship every year .

  11. Smith Family,
    I am sorry to learn of Arnold’s passing he was a friend whom I always respected and shall never forget.


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide